Viganella Carnival

A mountain village Carnival

The Viganella Carnival is the annual celebration hosted by the municipality of Borgomezzavalle, in the Antrona Valley—one of the most picturesque valleys in the Ossola region, in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Piedmont. It is a classic village festival, organized by local volunteers, bringing together residents from the valley's hamlets and visitors for two days of conviviality, great food, and the joy of masquerade.

Viganella, the village of the mirror

The hamlet of Viganella is famous throughout Italy and abroad. Nestled in the narrowest and shadiest part of the valley, it used to remain completely in the dark for about three months a year (from November 11th to February 2nd), without receiving any direct sunlight. In 2006, a large mirror measuring eight by five meters was installed on the mountainside to reflect light onto the village square, bringing winter sun back to the stone houses. Since then, Viganella has been known as the "village of the mirror," a small gem that the Carnival celebrates with its warmest festivities during the coldest months.

The weekend program

The event takes place in the Borgomezzavalle community hall and is spread over two days:

• Saturday: The festival opens in the late afternoon (6:30 PM) with a traditional mountain dinner featuring polenta, sausages, gorgonzola, and game meat; from 9:00 PM, the evening continues with music and a DJ set to get everyone, young and old, on the dance floor.
• Sunday: From 12:00 PM, a costumed lunch is held, featuring local valley products in a festive atmosphere that involves the entire village.

The flavors of the Antrona Valley

The absolute star is the Ossola mountain cuisine: polenta, sausages, gorgonzola, and game meat tell a gastronomic story rooted in alpine pastures and local produce. The Viganella Carnival is the perfect opportunity to savor these authentic dishes in good company, rediscovering the genuine hospitality of Piedmont's alpine villages.

An authentic experience

Far from the large tourist-driven carnivals, the Viganella Carnival preserves the spirit of traditional celebrations: costumes, music, shared tables, and the warmth of the Antrona Valley community. A perfect stop for those seeking an authentic Carnival experience, immersed in the nature and culture of the upper Ossola region.